Integration of digital techniques for three-dimensional survey: the case study of the church of "San Giovanni Decollato" in Turin

This paper describes an experience of survey (baroque church of San Giovanni Decollato in Turin - Italy) that focused on the search for a useful integration of several techniques in a digital data stream from data capture to the final model. In order to respect the scheduled time and constraints, the project is characterized by: a) the use of different techniques for the optimization of equipment, human resources and working time; b) the systematic use of remote sensing techniques: total station, 3D laser scanners, 3D orthophoto, solid image. c) testing the functionality of a new software (beta release) for the vectorial transformation of the solid image. The survey operations have been characterized by the cooperation of researchers associated with two different disciplines: Topography and Representation. In fact, the complexity of the baroque architecture required a careful consideration of the decorative details to be represented. On the basis of this experience, it is possible to come to the following considerations: - especially in presence of external constraints, typical of real cases, the time required to human engagement for the integration of different procedures outclasses the time of automated acquisition and processing; - the vectorial transformation of solid images is effective for continuous surfaces, while it is difficult to apply to discontinuous surfaces. In case of an architecture with complex decorative details the solid image should be integrated with other systems.